Common Law Marriage in North Carolina

If you are in a long term relationship, and live with your significant other, you may have at one point claimed you were Common Law Married. Maybe someone discovered your long term relationship, and said, “After 7 years, you’ll be common law married.” But, what do these statements mean, and do they have any merit?

In fact, there are many misconceptions about common law marriage in North Carolina, and the Raleigh family law attorney’s of the Doyle Law Group are ready to shed some light on the subject.

What is Common Law Marriage?

Typically, Common Law Marriage is recognized as two individuals, cohabitating as a couple. They outwardly present themselves as husband and wife to the public. A marriage ceremony does not take place, yet a marriage partnership is recognized and is considered valid by the State.

What if the Couple Lives Together But Does Not Claim They are Married?

This is precisely were a lot of confusion occurs. In jurisdictions that accept common law marriage, the couple STILL must present themselves as husband and wife. A couple that does not claim marriage will not be recognized as married, regardless of the length of time they have lived together.

Does North Carolina Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No. North Carolina does not recognize common law marriage from its residents, even if a couple claims they are married.

State statute 51-1 states that North Carolina does not, and never has recognized common law marriage. North Carolina, as with most states, follow what is called, “Statuatory Marriage.” This is defined as a recognized marriage due to its legal regulation through official legal code.

Is there a Conditional Circumstance that NC will Recognize a Common Law Marriage?

A NC couple may be recognized as Common Law Married if a Power of Attorney has been established for each other, thereby entering into a contractual relationship by the two partners. Even this can be contested and will probably require legal support to help the claim of marriage.

Will North Carolina Recognize My Common Law Marriage if I Moved There from Another State?

This is where North Carolina will most likely approve and accept a common law marriage. If you are recognized as a common law married couple in one state and relocate to NC, then the state will acknowledge the union. There are a few factors that must be met for the validity to be accepted.

The couple must have engaged in cohabitation in a state that recognizes Common Law Marriage. States that recognize a common law marriage are:

Alabama

Colorado

Georgia

Idaho

Iowa

Kansas

Montana

New Hampshire

Ohio

Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Texas

Utah

The out of State Common Law Marriage was recognized by the state in which the cohabitation existed.

The Court of North Carolina can establish a date the declaration of Common Law Marriage began.

These are common requirements or necessities when moving to a new state. Each state views Common Law Marriage differently. Moving to a state that does not recognize a common law marriage will require the couple to seek means to secure their status as married.

I Have Legal Common Law Marriage and Need a Divorce. What Do I Do?

Since there is no common law divorce, you will still need to enter into the same steps for completing divorce that a Statutory Married couple will. A separation period followed by a legal divorce. Common law couples will still encounter the same scrutiny for alimony, child support and property division as their traditional marriage counterparts.

Do You Have Questions or Need Legal Support for Common Law Marriage?

Although common law marriage is not recognized by North Carolina, if you need to establish a power of attorney for your long term relationship or you need assistance with the NC legal system from your recognized common law marriage from another state, then contact our Raleigh Family Law Firm for support. We have the experience to guide you through the process successfully.

Our attorney’s can be reached by calling 919-301-8843 or completing the contact form below.

Protecting your Privacy ~ Your privacy is our primary concern. At the Doyle Law Group, we understand the importance of protecting your privacy and will never share your contact information with a 3rd party. Contacting our law firm does not imply any form of attorney-client relationship.

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About The Doyle Law Group, P.A.

The Doyle Law Group, P.A. are a team of skilled Raleigh divorce and family law attorneys focused on relentlessly fighting for the rights of our clients. Are you in need of a skilled divorce or family law lawyer to fight for your rights? Do you have questions about North Carolina divorce or family law and need answers? The experienced and dedicated attorneys at the Raleigh law firm of Doyle Law Group, P.A. stand ready to help.

Doyle Law Group, P.A. Location:

9051 Strickland Road, Suite 121

Raleigh NC 27615

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8:30 am – 5:00 pm

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8:30 am – 5:00 pm

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